On Thu, 2 Feb 2006 09:04:41 +1000, "Robert Campbell" <rcampbell3@optusnet.com.au> wrote: > Sometime ago now someone sent an extract from a book dedicated to the DSM >(UK Navy) awards for WW2. Sorry forgot the name and author, BUT if anyone >has access to this volume, it has an entry referring to Able Seaman Walter >STACY in it. Bob The book is probably "The Distinguished Service Medal 1939-1946" by W H Fevyer. > I am attempting to determine where the author referenced his material, or >if the book itself mentions where the actual citations may be sourced. The book is basically an index of WW2 DSM announcements in the London Gazette. The date and page of the London Gazette announcement is given, along with a brief and usually rather vague description of the reason for the award, as published in the LG. In the case of Walter's award, it simply says: ------------ For courage and resource in recent successful actions against Italian submarines. LG 3.12.1940 pp6913/4 Leading Seaman Walter Stacy, C/JX.141536 [plus 6 other names] ----------- The above entry is typical - there is no citation, since it wasn't given in the London Gazette. In his introduction, the author gives some tips on researching further, and I can scan these and send them to you if you wish. One of the tips is to look at nearby pages of the London Gazette to see if any other awards were given at the same time to other members of the crew. Awards to officers tend to be more researchable, and the following awards were announced: ------------- For courage and resource in recent successful actions against Italian Submarines: To be a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order: Lieutenant-Commander Stephen Hugh Norris, D.S.C., Royal Navy. Bar to the Distinguished Service Cross. Lieutenant Leopold John Tillie, D.S.C., Royal Navy. The Distinguished Service Cross. Lieutenant-Commander Cecil Powis Frobisher Brown, Royal Navy. Lieutenant-Commander Edmund Neville Vincent Currey, Royal Navy. Lieutenant Robert Henry Graham, Royal Navy. Temporary Sub-Lieutenant Michael Reynolds Hole, R.N.V.R. ------------- There are no citations for these awards either, nor are the names of the ships given, but if you Google around, you may find articles or obituaries which mention these men. As an example, L J Tillie was killed in 1942, and the following obituary appeared in The Times of 19th Nov 1942: ------------- PERSONAL TRIBUTE LIEUT. L. J. TILLIE, R.N. A former commanding officer writes:— Lieutenant Leo John Tillie, D.S.C., R.N., whose death on active service has just been announced, will be remembered as an outstanding officer. Combined with this, he possessed great charm of manner and made an excellent mess-mate. Be was above average at all games, excelling especially as a golfer. Obtaining first class certificates in all his examinations for lieutenant, he joined a destroyer on the outbreak of war and had the distinction of serving continuously at sea, in many parts of the world, up to the time of his death. During the first Battle of Narvik, his ship; the Hotspur, lay stopped and badly damaged under the close-range fire of five enemy destroyers. The Hardy and the Hunter were already out of action. It was a grim moment for the ship's company, but they were soon cheered and encouraged by Sub-Lieutenant Tillie's magnificent example. Though himself wounded, he rallied the survivors from his two guns' crews and opened a rapid and accurate fire on the enemy, causing them to keep their distance until the Hostile and Havock could return to cover the Hotspur's withdrawal. As soon as the action was over, Tillie collapsed from loss of blood. For his courage and fine example in the action at Narvik he was awarded the D.S.C. During his subsequent service with Force H in the Western Mediterranean his skill and coolness during the tracking down of an Italian sub-marine largely contributed to its ultimate destruction. For this exploit he was awarded a bar to his D.S.C. Tillie later saw much arduous service in the Eastern Mediterranean. He died at sea as a result of enemy action, no doubt as he would have wished. His loss will be felt by the Navy, as young men with his exceptional promise are not easily replaced. ----------------- We don't know for certain that William Stacy was on the same ship at Tillie. However, since Stacy's DSM was announced in the same group of awards as Tillie's Bar to his DSC, there's a good chance that this was the case, or that Stacy was on one of the accompanying ships of Force H. Your best bet may be to get hold of the very expensive "Seedie's Roll of Naval Honours & Awards, 1939-1959", which was compiled from Admiralty sources. See http://www.pitbossannie.com/iss-v-0951338005.html for bibliographic details in case a local library has a copy. See also the leaflets on gallantry medals at http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/catalogue/RdLeaflet.asp?sLeafletID=35 and http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/catalogue/RdLeaflet.asp?sLeafletID=34 Hope that helps Forrest -- Forrest Anderson, Edinburgh, Scotland. E-mail: forrest@military-researcher.com Website: www.military-researcher.com Forrestdale Research - Military Genealogical Researcher